"Confabulation can be defined as the unintentional creation of a false or inaccurate memory to compensate for memory gaps or deficits. Although some similarities may exist, the phenomenon of confabulation is distinguishable from other issues like suggestibility, malingering, and delusions. The possibility of confabulation is particularly pernicious in criminal justice settings. Here, self-reported memories play an integral role in the confessions and testimony of suspects, defendants, victims, and eyewitnesses."

Brown, Jerrod, Cody Charette, Deb Huntley, Anthony P. Wartnik, Cameron R. Wiley, Janina Cich, Stephen Morgan, and Kimberly D. Dodson. 2017. “Confabulation: A Beginner’s Guide for Legal Professionals.” Forensic Science and Criminology 2(3). doi: 10.15761/FSC.1000119.

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Drawing upon my 2022 series "Inspired by True Events", this series alludes to the fragmentation of memory over time. 

My process produced a derivative which appears complete, crisp, and detailed.

Only by comparing it to the true original image can the loss of texture and fidelity be recognized.

Additionally, it would be impossible to convert the new image back into the old, the detail has been lost forever.

Think about what you know about the Mona Lisa (or other 16th century art). 

How did you learn it? Who wrote it down? Who translated it, and when?

Think about what you know about the history of the city you live in. 

How close to the truth do you think it is? What's missing?

Do we really remember things the way they actually happened?

How can we be certain? If we can't be sure, how close to certain can we get?

How can we be certain of what has been lost?

In gratitude,

Justin C.M. Brown, 5.25.2024